carter | turning one

Hard to believe that just one year ago, I was writing [this post...] and now here we are celebrating the one year of life this sweet little guy has been present in our lives.

Family gathered yesterday, Carter's actual birthday, to celebrate his special day. And what a special day it was. He is such a people person, and with the exception of his post-sugar-party-crash (but who can blame him?!)... he was the life of the party. :) 

Carter got his first dump truck, had his first birthday cake and his first tastes of what sugar is....and held it down very well... wore his first party hat, and had happy birthday sung to him for the first time. Of all the firsts that happen before you are one, there is something extra special about this birthday. :)

hi baby, you are so loved...

We are filled with joy over your life, Carter! We are so happy to be your aunt and uncle. We pray the Lord's blessings over you and your second year of life! Happy 1st Birthday!

carter's dedication

How blessed this little guy is to be born into such a loving, God-fearing family, with such rich heritage...

Jared and I hope to be a part of that for him. We love you, Carter and as you grow, alongside with your mom & dad, grandmas & grandpas, pray for your heart to be bound to the Lord's! We were so blessed to be a apart of this dedication service for you, reminding us that it is a gift & a challenge to be a part of your life, modeling Christ's love for you.  

I see you there, baby. Always keep looking at auntie Skyler's camera.

What a blessing you are. And only will continue to be in our family. May the Lord bless you, and keep you tight in His hands, Carter! We love you!

carter david | first photos

poor kid. he's going to have to deal with auntie skyler's camera for quite some time.... sorry little guy, mom + dad wanted some pictures of you at your freshest! you'll be thankful when you have the cutest graduation open house billboard, though. you're pretty darn cute. 

just thought i'd share a few pictures from his one-week photoshoot. jared and i are continuing to enjoy our nephew, and watch him change in the few short weeks he's been around. :) having a baby around is so much fun! enjoy the cuteness!

{can you believe all his adorable hair?!}

meeting carter

meet our nephew.

Carter David Johnson. You've already won us over! Uncle Jared and Auntie Skyler adore you. Welcome to this beautiful family, little guy. 

We were so antsy to get to the hospital to meet you, Grandma and Grandpa even more so, and what a blessing that they had a few extended days with your newness. 

We are now a Johnson family of 7, you've made it better already! We love you! On Saturday the {not quite} whole crew was there - both sets of G-parents, Lori's sister and niece, and us... Carter probably didn't know what hit him there was so much lovin' going on. Mommy and Daddy were so gracious in sharing you with all of us... I think this picture was the most they got to hold you all day. :)

And a special one - just hours after you were born.... happy birthday, Carter! You made 1.31.13 a very special day for our family. 

Be blessed as you grow! We are so so happy you're finally here. :)